Automatic camera



May 12, 1936. F A, s Rg mmzm AUTOMATIC CAMERA Filed June 8,- 1954 Inventor wmmm fig y A lfomcjpa Patented May 12, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 3 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful immovements in photography, and more particularly to an automatic camera for taking pictures at night.

An important object of the invention is to provide shutter operating means whereby a wild animal, reptile or bird can automatically photograph itself in a substantially fool-proof manner.

Other important objects and advantages. of the invention will become apparent to the reader of the following specification.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 represents a top plan view of the camera and associated mechanism.

Figure 2 represents a vertical sectional view through the stop means.

Figure 3 represents a rear elevational view of the washer proper removed from its back, showing the balance wheel with which the pin engages to stop the mechanism thereof.

Figure 4 represents a perspective view of the stop pin.

Referring to the drawing wherein like numerals designate like parts, it can be seen in Figure 1 that numeral 5 represents a platform having the camera, generally referred to by numeral I, mounted thereon. The camera is provided with the usual shutter 9 having the actuating arm l0.

In carrying out the present invention, a movable assembly is employed and consists of a plate having the magnet l2 mounted thereon. The magnet I2 is provided with the U-shaped frame l3 between the free ends of which is swingably mounted the armature Hi, this armature being provided with a contact extension IS. A post I! on the plate II has a set screw 18 feedable therethrough and toward the armature M to limit the free movement thereof. A bifurcated stem I9 is secured to the armature I4, while a socket member 2|) having a reduced end is pivotally connected to the bifurcated portion of the stem IS. The socket end of this member 20 has a set screw 22 whereby one end of the strand 23 is secured in the socket. The other end of the strand connects to the lever H] of the shutter 9. Spring contact fingers 303| form a switch in a circuit controlling the flash bulb 32. (See Figare 16.) The spring fingers 30-3| have insulation between the same, the fingers and block being secured to the upright 34 on the plate II, this plate being slidable on the guides 35-45 located on the aforementioned platform 5.

In addition to the magnet I2 and the switch, generally referred to by numeral 38 and before described, there is the stop watch which consists of the mechanism part 39 and the back plate 40. The back plate 4|] is secured to the front side of the panel 4| and has an opening 42 therein through which the pin 43 protrudes. The panel 4| has a recess therein containing a spring 44 which acts against the head 45 of the pin to maintain the same urged against the lug 46 which depends from the armature 41 of the magnet 48, the latter being secured on a bracket 49 to the rear side of the aforementioned panel 4|. An arm 50 on the back side of the panel 4| supports a set screw 5| which acts to limit the movement of the armature 4'I. Numeral 52 represents a latch or detent for catching and holding the armature when it is attracted to the magnet 48. At this point, it may be well to mention that the purpose of the stop watch is to cause the watch to stop at the moment the exposure is made so that the photographer can ascertain the exact time the exposure is made and treat the film accordingly. That is, if the exposure is made late in the morning and there is some sunlight, then, of course, the photographer will be required to change his formula from that he would use if the exposure had been made with only the aid of the flash bulb 32.

What is claimed is:-

1. In combination, a camera having a shutter, a magnet having an armature, a connection between the armature and the shutter, a stop watch adapted to be stopped at the moment the shutter is operated, said watch including a magnetically operated pin adapted to be driven into the operating mechanism of. the Watch when the shutter magnet is operated.

2. In combination, a camera having a shutter, a magnet having an armature, a connection between the armature and the shutter, a stop watch adapted to be stopped at the moment the shutter is operated, said watch including a magnetically operated pin adapted to be driven into the operating mechanism of the watch when the shutter magnet is operated, a platform for the camera, and a slidable plate on the platform upon which the shutter magnet is mounted.

3. In combination, a camera having a shutter, a magnet having an armature, said armature having a socket member pivotally connected thereto, a set screw feedable into the socket, an elongated flexible member having one end connected to the shutter and the other end disposed into the said socket member and secured thereto by said set screw.

FLOYD A. SEARS. 

